DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter WHEN A ROOT CANAL FAILS A root canal is often thought of as a last stage effort to prevent a complete tooth removal leaving you with a crown. However, if a root canal does not work and you start to experience pain in that tooth again, there may be one more option available before pulling the tooth. An "apicoectomy." or root end surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes the very tip of the problem tooth's root as well as any infected tissue The tip is then sealed off with a small filling, similar to a cavity. Unlike a root canal or tooth extraction, this procedure usually requires a few small stitches to close the gum and avoid possible infection. P.S. An apicoectomy can be accompanied by bone grafting to help the bone grow back if too large a void is left after the procedure. Root canal therapy may have had a bad reputation in the past as being painful, however, as most anyone who has experienced this procedure can attest, today's techniques make canal root a virtually painless, effective treatment. If you are experiencing pain or have unusual symptoms (before or after a root canal), call your dentist. Be aware of threats to your health, and take steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. If you don't have a family dentist at this time, we invite your call at CARPENTER DENTAL, 570.331.0909. You'll find our full- service dental practice at 1086 Wyoming Ave, Forty Fort. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter WHEN A ROOT CANAL FAILS A root canal is often thought of as a last stage effort to prevent a complete tooth removal leaving you with a crown. However, if a root canal does not work and you start to experience pain in that tooth again, there may be one more option available before pulling the tooth. An "apicoectomy." or root end surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes the very tip of the problem tooth's root as well as any infected tissue The tip is then sealed off with a small filling, similar to a cavity. Unlike a root canal or tooth extraction, this procedure usually requires a few small stitches to close the gum and avoid possible infection. P.S. An apicoectomy can be accompanied by bone grafting to help the bone grow back if too large a void is left after the procedure. Root canal therapy may have had a bad reputation in the past as being painful, however, as most anyone who has experienced this procedure can attest, today's techniques make canal root a virtually painless, effective treatment. If you are experiencing pain or have unusual symptoms (before or after a root canal), call your dentist. Be aware of threats to your health, and take steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. If you don't have a family dentist at this time, we invite your call at CARPENTER DENTAL, 570.331.0909. You'll find our full- service dental practice at 1086 Wyoming Ave, Forty Fort. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com